The left side delivers the more dramatic scenery overall. The Alpine views on departure from Zurich are the visual highlight of this short flight, and as the route tracks northwest over the Jura mountains and into the Rhine plain, the left side also picks up views of the Black Forest and Rhine valley in the middle portion of the flight.
Flown ZRH to BRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Brussels is 300 miles (483 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
After clearing the Jura mountains northwest of Zurich, the flight crosses the Rhine plain near Basel, then tracks over the Belgian Ardennes plateau and the flat Brabant lowlands before descending into Brussels. The Black Forest is visible to the northeast over Germany, and the Ardennes forested hills are the last notable terrain before the flat Belgian plain.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs on runway 16 (southward) or 28 (westward). On a northwestbound flight to Brussels, a westward or northward departure puts the left side facing south toward the Alps. You get a clear view of Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the snow-capped Alps beyond.
Landing at BRU
RIGHTBrussels National Airport typically lands on runway 25L/25R from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east-northeast. The right side faces south toward central Brussels, giving views of the city layout, the Atomium area, and the urban core as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Brussels Natl (BRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Brussels. The left side delivers the more dramatic scenery overall. The Alpine views on departure from Zurich are the visual highlight of this short flight, and as the route tracks northwest over the Jura mountains and into the Rhine plain, the left side also picks up views of the Black Forest and Rhine valley in the middle portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 (southward) or 28 (westward). On a northwestbound flight to Brussels, a westward or northward departure puts the left side facing south toward the Alps. You get a clear view of Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the snow-capped Alps beyond. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, the Glarus Alps on the horizon, the Zurich city center and Limmat river valley, Uetliberg ridge.
What can I see when landing at Brussels Natl in Brussels?
When landing at Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Brussels National Airport typically lands on runway 25L/25R from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east-northeast. The right side faces south toward central Brussels, giving views of the city layout, the Atomium area, and the urban core as you descend. Notable sights include: Brussels city center and Grand Place district, the Atomium structure in Laeken, the Senne river valley, Leuven visible to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Brussels?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Brussels Natl (BRU) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 300 miles (483 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Brussels flight path pass over?
After clearing the Jura mountains northwest of Zurich, the flight crosses the Rhine plain near Basel, then tracks over the Belgian Ardennes plateau and the flat Brabant lowlands before descending into Brussels. The Black Forest is visible to the northeast over Germany, and the Ardennes forested hills are the last notable terrain before the flat Belgian plain.